Help me choose

[andy28]

Hi folks,

I have just had a bit of money come my way and need to put it to good use.
It's been my dream since I was 18/19, to own a TVR. Now, with the way things are going with the factory, I want to own a piece of Brit history even more. I have got my favourite models, but don't want to upset anyone on here by saying the one I'm not too keen on...but would like some advice from you lot on what I should go for. I've got just over 9k from my savings and policy that has just come out, and I could get a loan and make the amount up to 13k. I don't want to stretch myself financially as I want to be able to enjoy the car when I get it.
Come on everyone, please feel free to put your twopennith worth in, I need as much info and likes and dislikes that you have so I can make a good choice. This is a really exciting time for me, although g/f would prefer me to spend all the money on her, but what the hell?!!!

Brill site btw. Looking forward to chatting to some TVR enthusiasts.

[Big Al.]

and a big welcome.

Starting model IMHO (in my humble opinion) would be a 4 ltr Chim, it's a great starting model and slightly less expensive to run is say comparison to a Cerb.

Then next in line would be the Griff this is usually a 5 ltr as standard, with a bit more grunt that the basic Chim.

So as a quick synopsis Chim or Griff! IMHO.

[BossCerbera]

Big Al. said:

So as a quick synopsis Chim or Griff! IMHO.

[Ricardo Bertone]

A V8S, Griffith or Chimaera - take your pick.

Ricardo

[Chummy]

Hi Andy,
I asked the same questions of a TVR salesman, my budget didn't run to his showroom models, his advice to a first time buyer with limited funds was to find as late a V8S as possible. I found a 1994 M with 52,000 on the clock in very good nick for £8,000. I,m well satisfied. But remember you are buying second hand, and I guarantee what ever you buy you will still have to spend money on it, so don't blue your whole budget on the purchase!! All second hand cars are the same, something will need repairing or replacing, I speak from experience. Best of luck, Mike

[touching cloth]

I would say it has to be a Chim, was my first Tvr and great way into the marque. Lots around have meant that prices have dropped probably faster than most models. A quick look in the classifieds show's things like this which would not stretch your budget or require a loan. Looks nice enough in the ad and is the facelifted example being a 98, might of course be a dog in real life but pay for an inspection and look at a few.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/113015.htm

[burriana]

Chimaera ... great first TVR, reliable Rover V8, sound great ... and there are a shed load of really nice ones at around £10k in the classifieds.

[D14 AYS]

Hi andy,i was in the same possition as you a couple of months ago,i plumped for a 92 4.3 Griff and it was the best move ever, the car is wicked ,welcome to the fold

Edited by D14 AYS on Friday 15th December 23:20

[lazyitus]

I won't make any suggestions at this point. (just see my profile for my thoughts )

All I will say is good luck on finding a nice car. If TVR is your dream, you will not believe how good the feeling is when you actually get one.

I know where you are at in your mind, its a great place to be!

Enjoy the search and more importantly, enjoy the car.

[Daftlad]

Andy,
While a Griff, Chim or V8s is good advice, a V6 S series would also offer a great introduction to TVR, as would a re-built M series car.

The cars will not meet with the approval some of the V8 snobs that exist in the TVR owning world, but will leave you with money to spare and provide you with miles of smiles.

[andy28]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Those of you who have bought 2nd hand, do you think it's best to buy from a garage or from private seller? My current car,wasn't very expensive and I bought from classified ad, but this is a lot of money for me to spend. (In fact, most I have ever spent on one thing), so I want to be sure I don't get ripped off.
Also, the advice about not blowing the whole budget is a good one. I want to be able to spend a bit on the car when I get it.

Cheers again everyone, and keep the good advice coming.

[byker28i]

You've got your fav models, well the best thing to do is to post them up here and ask for advice on which one as a new owner.

Or just plump for the one you've always wanted. That's what I did

Once you've decided, then these forums are a delightful font of knowledge.

[FUBAR]

Daftlad said:

Andy,
While a Griff, Chim or V8s is good advice, a V6 S series would also offer a great introduction to TVR, as would a re-built M series car.

The cars will not meet with the approval some of the V8 snobs that exist in the TVR owning world, but will leave you with money to spare and provide you with miles of smiles.

We're not snobs. We just like to have the proper compliment of cylinders

Griff/Chim is, in the main, a personal choice. I would go for an early 4.0L or 4.3L Griff (mainly because I had a beaut of a 4L ). Griff residuals slightly higher so you'll get your money back when (if) you sell it. Having said that, I know of a couple of V8Ss that look, sound and go like the business.

Oh, and welcome









PS Just for the record, whatever you buy, yellow is the fastest colour (had to be said )

Edited to add: Best advice we can give is to get down to your local TVRCC meet and talk to owners. More than likely you will find some willing ones who will take you out for a drive in varying cars. I see you're in Essex, one of the top (apparantly ) TVRCC regions so plenty to see and do. Someone will be along soon to tell you where and when their next meet is

Edited by FUBAR on Saturday 16th December 08:16

[zippee]

Hiya and welcome to PH. I was in the same boat as you this time 2 years ago and I bought my first TVR, a 4 ltr Chim, on 2nd Jan 04. I went for a 4ltr for the simple reason it was my first intro to proper RWD sportscars and I wanted something to get used to instead of jumping straight into a 500. I do now wish for a little more power but only occasionally - the 400 is hardly slow. In hindsight I wish I'd gone for a 450.
Personally speaking I don't like the looks of the Griff - this was one of the other main reasons I went for the Chim.
The V8S or a V6 S series is also a fantastic idea - the car will be a lot cheaper initially but
they're not quite as refined to drive - depends what you're looking for.
Where abouts in the country are you? I'm based Cambs/Beds so if close you're more than welcome to take a look at mine.

And ignore Fubar - Blue ones are best. He only goes for yellow as it distracts other peoples eyes from whats in the drivers seat!!

[andy28]

The Griff 500 is my dream car but all the ones I have seen are out of my price range. I do like the 4l though, and the Chim.

Are there any good dealers in the Essex area does anyone know?

[FUBAR]

zippee said:

And ignore Fubar. He only goes for yellow as it distracts other peoples eyes from whats in the drivers seat!!

You're not wrong fellah

[oggs]

FUBAR said:

zippee said:

And ignore Fubar. He only goes for yellow as it distracts other peoples eyes from whats in the drivers seat!!

You're not wrong fellah

[amazon]

Hi Andy

I would also say Chimaera - looks gorgeous, sounds great. I have had two - current one from new - now seven years old and trouble free motoring (apart from London Thunder overheating, but that was my fault ). Also nice big boot too - even with the roof off -tours around Europe with tent etc. easy!

As well as the above, someone mentioned the wide choice available as well - as there were more Chimaeras made than other models, so you have a greater chance of getting the colour combination etc. you desire as well!

I see you are in Essex - I believe the local TVRCC meet on the second Sunday of each month - see one of the threads on PH. (Or maybe you can't wait that long!! )

All that said - buy the car you really love and if you feel it is taking you out for a blast rather than the other way round, book a session with Ride Drive or similar.

Excited for you - enjoy choosing!

[V8Cerbera]

Hi Mate,

Well my first and only TVR was a 4.2 Cerbera, I was recently offered a 4.5 but turned it down as I preferred the sound and driving feel of my 4.2 and didn't feel that it offered any more, other than a whole bucket load of wheelspin in first gear.

I love the Cerb, I wanted one since they came out, so when I found myself in the position to get one I jumped at it and haven't looked back. Great car, loads of fun and IMO, that whole "it's a difficult car to drive / control" is utter bs. But then maybe I'm a mentalist (and part time hobby racing driver)....

Edited by V8Cerbera on Saturday 16th December 11:12

[gazzab]

Chim 450. PErfect starter TVR. If you get a 4ltr you will always want more. a 450 is a great compromise.